Reflection: Hyperlinked Community
This week’s module on Hyperlinked libraries brought me back to researching information communities in INFO 200. I remember going through so many touch choices in figuring out which information community I wanted to focus on, because they all were so interesting. The library has a big role to play in creating and nurturing hyperlinked communities. I feel that one of the biggest takeaways from this course so far is that libraries are about people, not books! My library just hosted this Pokeswap event today for the Pokemon-interested kids to get together and do a little card trading. As librarians, we need to create and host events that will sometimes have nothing to do with books. These events will aim to get people INSIDE the library and build connections between community members. I wasn’t working at the library today, but I’d bet there were Pokemon graphic novels and non-fiction books on display during the PokeSwap event. Books are not the centerpiece in hyperlinked communities, but they might supplement community engagement. Creating events that interest kids seems easier, but it’s important to not leave adults in the dust when building a hyperlinked community. The library should encourage adult interests and hobbies by hosting events in the library. Potential topics could be genealogy and using Ancestry, knitting clubs, and conversational second language groups!
3 Comments
Karl Holub
That Pokemon swap sounds like a cool event, and relatively easy to arrange. I think you’re right that it probably did encourage at least some of the kids to check out books and other materials. I know that when I was a kid, whenever I liked something, I was interested in everything related to it.
Aaron Joseph Rodgers
Hey Isabel:
I have to say, I am intrigued by this idea for a Pokeswap. As a Pokemon fan, it sounds like a great way for people to get together and have fun.
You are right that for the hyperlinked communities books are not the centerpiece, rather it is the library itself. People are able to host all kinds of events and provide numerous services that “Attract” people to its doors. Furthermore, you are correct in saying that we need more events that cater towards the adult members of the community. Perhaps a family mystery event, where kids and their parents can read mystery books together or participate in a mystery night which has them looking for clues around the library. Or, for the adventureous users, perhaps having a movie night in one of the library’s rooms with adventure films. The possibilities are endless.
Take care and have a good weekend.
Sincerely,
Aaron
Michael Stephens
@isabelr Loving the Pokeswap! I think you are on target that programming doesn’t always have to tied to books. Culinary literatcy programs come to mind as do hands on STEAM and STEAM programs.